About HS Code 854912
This code encompasses waste and scrap from various primary cells, primary batteries, and electric accumulators that contain hazardous heavy metals like lead, cadmium, or mercury, but specifically excludes lead-acid batteries (which have their own code). This category includes spent nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, certain mercury-containing button cells, and other specialized batteries. The trade in these materials is highly regulated due to their toxic content and the environmental risks associated with improper disposal. Importers are typically specialized recycling facilities equipped to safely extract and process these hazardous materials, often located in regions with stringent environmental standards and advanced metallurgical capabilities. Exporters are usually waste management companies, industrial users, or electronics recyclers. Compliance with international hazardous waste conventions, such as the Basel Convention, is paramount, dictating strict tracking and handling requirements to ensure responsible recycling and prevent environmental contamination.
Products Under This Code
Spent NiCd batteries, Mercury-containing button cells (waste), Cadmium-containing industrial batteries, Lead-containing primary cells (non-acid), Used portable electronic device batteries (containing heavy metals), Rechargeable NiCd battery scrap, Mercury oxide battery waste
Real World Examples
Duracell mercury-free button cell waste (older types), Energizer NiCd battery scrap, Panasonic industrial NiCd batteries (spent), Varta mercury-containing cells (historical waste), Saft NiCd aircraft battery waste
Common Misclassification
This code is often confused with 854911 (spent lead-acid accumulators) if the specific battery chemistry isn't identified, or with 854913/854914 if the presence of lead, cadmium, or mercury is overlooked.
Products Classified Under 8549.12
Industry
This code belongs to the Electronics & Electrical Equipment industry.
Trade Overview
Countries with advanced recycling infrastructure and strict environmental regulations, such as Germany, Japan, and the USA, are key importers and exporters of these hazardous battery wastes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 854912?
HS code 854912 covers: Waste and scrap; of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators, spent or not, containing lead, cadmium or mercury, other than lead-acid accumulators. This code encompasses waste and scrap from various primary cells, primary batteries, and electric accumulators that contain hazardous heavy metals like lead, cadmium, or mercury, but specifically excludes lead-acid batteries (which have their own code). This category includes spent nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, certain mercury-containing button cells, and other specialized batteries. The trade in these materials is highly regulated due to their toxic content and the environmental risks associated with improper disposal. Importers are typically specialized recycling facilities equipped to safely extract and process these hazardous materials, often located in regions with stringent environmental standards and advanced metallurgical capabilities. Exporters are usually waste management companies, industrial users, or electronics recyclers. Compliance with international hazardous waste conventions, such as the Basel Convention, is paramount, dictating strict tracking and handling requirements to ensure responsible recycling and prevent environmental contamination.
What products fall under HS code 854912?
Spent NiCd batteries, Mercury-containing button cells (waste), Cadmium-containing industrial batteries, Lead-containing primary cells (non-acid), Used portable electronic device batteries (containing heavy metals), Rechargeable NiCd battery scrap, Mercury oxide battery waste
What are common misclassifications for HS code 854912?
This code is often confused with 854911 (spent lead-acid accumulators) if the specific battery chemistry isn't identified, or with 854913/854914 if the presence of lead, cadmium, or mercury is overlooked.
How is HS code 854912 structured?
HS code 854912 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (49) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.